Kitty Hawk had beforehand examined one other flying car prototype known as the “Flyer” final April. It appeared much less like a automotive than a jet ski with wings.

A number of different corporations, together with Uber and Airbus, are additionally racing to commercialize flying taxis. The autos extra typically appear to be small planes than flying automobiles. Like Kitty Hawk’s Cora, many depend on drone expertise and vertical takeoff and touchdown, so they do not want a runway.

Airbus’(EADSY) flying automotive prototype — the Vahana — made its maiden flight in Oregon final month. Executives mentioned they hope to have a marketable model of Vahana prepared to promote in 2020.